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Question
Hi Bart, You answered "you would not build it" regarding a brick fireplace for a 16" ventless gas log set that I wish to place in my kitchen wall. Why do I need to purchase a zero clearance firebox vs building my own providing I meet the minimum h/w/d the owners manual calls for. I would like to think I can build a brick fireplace that will provide the same or better protection (of course, using proper materials) than its metal counterpart. The decorative ceramic logs that surround the main burner do not get very hot, which makes me ask the question, why metal and not brick?
Thank you again ofr your professional input.
Bob Anderson
anderson.bob@comcast.net
Hi Bob,
Unless you have footings poured underneath that area you won't be able to support that much weight associated with the masonry firebox that's required.
It's not the ceramic logs that surround the main burner that you're concerned about - it's the 10's of thousands of btu's that are produced that will be absorbed into the surrounding areas.
You can always buy the vent-free zero-clearance firebox and face it with brick. Caution, don't just go buy a factory-built fireplace and stick the logs in it. You need, specifically, a vent-free zero-clearance firebox listed for this particular application.
Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.
Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc.
Wichita, KS
Voice: 316-265-9828
Fax: 316-265-9890
www.homesafeks.com
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Answers by Expert:
Bart Ogden
Expertise
I can answer questions related to chimney and fireplace cleaning, construction and repair as well as questions related to the performance of chimneys and fireplaces. I can also answer questions related to clothes dryer vent cleaning and repair. Additionally, I can field questions related to masonry repair.
Experience
Experience in the area:
28 years experience in the chimney service/installation/repair field
President, Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc. Wichita, Kansas
Professional Organizations:
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
Member, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
Member, Kansas Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps (KGPCS)
Member, Midwest Chimney Safety Council (MCSC)
Member, Kansas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (KAREI)
Past At-Large Director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past At-Large Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America
Past Secretary, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past Secretary, Chimney Safety Institute of America
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council
Member, Chimney Safety Institute of America Certification Committee
Past Chairman, CSIA Chimney Safety Education Brochures Committee
Past Chairman, NCSG Nomination Committee
Publications:
SWEEPING Magazine, The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technoloty, A Publication of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
SNEWS, The Chimney Sweep News
THE KANSAS SWEEP, The Voice of the KS Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps
Education/Credentials:
BA, Wichita State University
C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep
C.S.I.A. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
N.F.I. Woodburning Specialist
N.F.I. Gas Specialist
Chimney Diagnosis & Documentation Seminar
Ahren's Masonry Restoration School Graduate
Advanced Gas Certification
Master Gas Certification
Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Pellet Appliance Specialist
Venting Design Specialist
Dale Carnegie Course Graduate
Awards and Honors:
Superior Dealer Award, Ventinox Chimney Lining Systems
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